Blog #31

Major problems face individuals that try to balance a work/family life. Many of these problems are outlined in Chapter 7 of English’s book. The most frequently mentioned difficulty of the interviewees in the book were the work/life balance difficulties and were usually expressed as a problem for women and children. (English, 195) Males and females alike are discouraged from flouting accepted work norms. “The ‘real lawyers’ staunchly resist changes to the proven success formula, charging that alternative schedules are inequitable and that part-timers lack commitment.” These tensions make the part-timers feel resentful for the lack of respect they get from their colleagues, but also guilty about “slacking off” on the job. The most prominent solution to finding a work/family balance is the availability of part-time. This has proven in many ways to become an even larger challenge that in effect actually causes many part-timers to leave their positions completely. Part-time is often considered a “death sentence”. (English, 203)
English describes the biggest obstacle for this is the perceptions of equity. “People working traditional schedules believe that the way alternative schedules operate isn’t fair and takes advantage of others. This is a major difficulty when implemented by an employer. The employer must keep all workers satisfied and to do this, they must feel they are equal and treated equally. In several of the interviews in this section of the book, expressions of disgruntled feelings are voiced. Because men, unlike women, may not both bear children, they are subject to different treatment when it comes to things such as family leave and maternity leave.
Another problem faced by those who try to achieve a good work/family balance is that of the hostility to change. This may lead to the feeling that the particular person is not as committed as other who work 40 hour weeks.